The Secret Garden (Bantam Classic) (Mass Market Paperback)

by Frances Hodgson Burnett (Author) "When Mary Lennox was sent to Misselthwaite Manor to live with her uncle everybody said she was the most disagreeable-looking child ever seen..." (more)
Key Phrases: pale green points, animal charmer, missel thrush, Ben Weatherstaff, Mistress Mary, Miss Mary (more...)

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com Review
Mistress Mary is quite contrary until she helps her garden grow. Along the way, she manages to cure her sickly cousin Colin, who is every bit as imperious as she. These two are sullen little peas in a pod, closed up in a gloomy old manor on the Yorkshire moors of England, until a locked-up garden captures their imaginations and puts the blush of a wild rose in their cheeks; "It was the sweetest, most mysterious-looking place any one could imagine. The high walls which shut it in were covered with the leafless stems of roses which were so thick, that they matted together.... 'No wonder it is still,' Mary whispered. 'I am the first person who has spoken here for ten years.'" As new life sprouts from the earth, Mary and Colin's sour natures begin to sweeten. For anyone who has ever felt afraid to live and love, The Secret Garden's portrayal of reawakening spirits will thrill and rejuvenate. Frances Hodgson Burnett creates characters so strong and distinct, young readers continue to identify with them even 85 years after they were conceived. (Ages 9 to 12) --This text refers to the Paperback edition.

From Publishers Weekly
Soothing and mellifluous, native Briton Bailey's voice proves an excellent instrument for polishing up a new edition of Burnett's story. Bratty and spoiled Mary Lennox is orphaned when her parents fall victim to a cholera outbreak in India. As a result, Mary becomes the ward of an uncle in England she has never met. As she hesitantly tries to carve a new life for herself at imposing and secluded Misselthwaite Manor, Mary befriends a high-spirited boy named Dickon and investigates a secret garden on the Manor grounds. She also discovers a sickly young cousin, Colin, who has been shut away in a hidden Manor room. Together Mary and Dickon help Colin blossom, and in the process Mary finds her identity and melts the heart of her emotionally distant uncle. Bailey makes fluid transitions between the voices and accents of various characters, from terse Mrs. Medlock and surly groundskeeper Ben to chipper housemaid Martha. And most enjoyably, she gives Mary a believably childlike voice. A brief biography of the author is included in an introduction. Ages 6-12.
Copyright 2003 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

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Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 9-12
  
• Mass Market Paperback: 304 pages
• Publisher: Bantam Classics (January 1, 1987)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 055321201X
• ISBN-13: 978-0553212013
• Product Dimensions: 6.7 x 4.1 x 0.7 inches
• Shipping Weight: 4 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.4 out of 5 stars See all reviews (270 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #959,409 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

45 of 51 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars For those who value fine childrens literature, April 19, 2001

By	MotherLodeBeth "MotherLodeBeth" (Sierras of California) - See all my reviews (TOP 100 REVIEWER)

This review is from: The Secret Garden (Hardcover)

Who won't like this book? Well... I know that some parents these days feel it is a boring book which requires to much of an attention span. But children need and benefit from classics like this which require thought and which have a profound and telling message. It is a must read book for any family who values the classics and who feels that children need a balance of computer, sports and quality reading material.

Set in Misselthwaite Manor on the Yorkshire moors, Mary Lennox who has been orphaned arrives from India at her uncle Mr. Archibald Craven's home where she discovers a cousin Colin who is sickly and spoiled. ALmost as much as she is. In time Mary discovers that her cousin simply needs some encouragement and the once spoiled girl becomes a secret cheer leader of sorts and they set out to get Colin walking. One of the characters I adored so much was the gardener,who knows that the two have discovered the secret garden that Colins mother had adored and tended so well, which has become overgrown and like the two young children, simply needs some tender loving and consistent care. The children are very careful because they get Colin ouside using the wheelchair since they want to use the garden as a tool for also helping Colins physical therapy. In a few months not only is Colin able to walk and get about but the garden is flourishing which as the story continues will become the healing tool for the uncle (Mr. Archibald Craven)who has been heartbroken and aloof since his wifes death. Like the Little Princess this book deals with death, loneliness and deep subjects.

14 of 14 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars a shimmering adventure of magic and adventure, November 29, 1999

By	Sarah Allen (Yorkshire, ENGLAND) - See all my reviews

This book is a brilliant read for anyone old enough to feel heartwarming towards Mary and Dilan as they form bonds with nature to create a new life for the garden they find. The book starts with mary left alone and forgotten in the world, she cryes and sleeps until 3 dayes later she is accidently found and sent to live with her uncle. This starts her friendship with Martha (her chatty chambermaid) and so Dilan, Marthas' brother. When Mary finds the garden she recrutes the help of Marthas family to help her restore it. Together they are propelled into the livly and entertaining world of the secret garden and the magic it holds. An excellent read for any age and a story that stays for life like an old friend. 5 stars.

33 of 38 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Possibly the best children's book ever written, April 18, 2001

By	Joanna Daneman (Middletown, DE USA) - See all my reviews (TOP 10 REVIEWER)    (COMMUNITY FORUM 04)

This review is from: The Secret Garden (Hardcover)

Yes, that's a wild claim, against such wonderful books as the Wizard of Oz and Charlotte's Web. But I still have my copy of The Secret Garden and remember how I marvelous felt as a child when I first read it. The moment when Mary walked under the ivy into the secret garden gave me chills.

This book combines gentle "magic", that is, the spiritual side of things, and a fairy tale story of two neglected children who are healed by the help of that "magic", some good simple people, and a tragedy greater than themselves. Their coming out of their selfish ways into greater health and wisdom is a lesson for everybody. It's told in a charming style, with much atmosphere. Reading it gives you a taste for the greater things to come in literature.

This is a perfect book to read aloud to children, or to present to any child who is old enough to read it.